Book Review
A short overview of this book
I’m a Girl: Sexual Maturity by Shelley Metten is a book for older teens about conception, contraception, and reproductive health.
This is a series of 5 books, of which this is the fifth book. This book is targeting older teens and addresses the changes that happen during puberty (to the genitals and reproductive organs including menstruation), male anatomy, conception, contraception and sexually transmitted infections.
The explanation of sexual intercourse is a little different to the usual descriptions. It provides a physiological explanation, and talks about sexual desire and arousal.
The first book, I’m a Girl: Special Me is for 5-7 year olds, the second book, I’m a Girl: My Changing Body is for 8-10 year olds, the third book, I’m a Girl: Hormones is for 11-13 year olds, and the fourth book, I’m a Girl, How are Boys Different, is for kids aged 13+.
You can learn more on this page, about how to talk to kids about sex education.
Ideal Age
Ideal for children aged 14+ years.
Buy this book
✅ Buy a copy of I’m a Girl: Sexual Maturity by Shelley Metten from Amazon.
Video Transcription
A transcription in case you are more of a reader than a listener
Hey there! Welcome to Sex Ed Rescue, I’m Cath Hak, your friendly sex educator. On my YouTube channel and website, I help parents find a better way to talk to their kids about love, sex, relationships, and growing up. Today, I want to talk about a fantastic book for older teens that covers puberty and sexual intercourse.
This book, called I’m a Girl: Sexual Maturity, is written by Shelley Metten from Anatomy for Kids. It’s part of a series of five books that gradually provide more information as your child grows. The first book is for ages five to seven, then there’s one for eight to nine or seven to nine, and so on. These books are a hit with parents because they take a factual and anatomical approach to explaining the body.
Now, let’s dive into the book. I apologize for the not-so-great lighting. It’s late at night, and I’m a bit overtired, but I really wanted to get these book reviews done for you. So, Shelley Metten, the author, is an expert in anatomy. Her books cover the changes that happen during puberty, including detailed information about the menstrual cycle, reproductive health, and yes, sexual intercourse.
I want to mention that this book was written in 2021, and we now understand that gender and sex are more complex than we used to think. Gender is about how you identify, whether as male, female, both, or something else. Sex, on the other hand, is the assigned sex at birth, which can be female, male, or intersex. Keep in mind that intersex individuals may have genitals that don’t fit the typical definitions, and their sex may change as they go through puberty. It’s important to be inclusive and understanding of these variations.
The book covers the basics of conception, how a baby develops during pregnancy, contraception methods, and even sexually transmitted infections. The illustrations in the book are beautifully detailed and provide a visual understanding of the topics discussed. It’s a great resource for kids who prefer a straightforward and factual approach.
I must admit, though, that this book doesn’t go into as much detail as some others I’ve seen. It takes a more conservative approach to explaining sex. However, for kids who may feel a bit uncomfortable or overwhelmed by the topic, this book can be a comforting choice. It presents the information in a matter-of-fact way, making it easier for some kids to grasp.
All in all, I think this book is a valuable resource for older teens. It may not cover every aspect of sexuality, but it provides a solid foundation of knowledge. Remember, there are many other books out there that may offer more inclusive perspectives on gender and sex, especially when it comes to intersex and transgender individuals. But for those looking for a simple and straightforward resource, this book is definitely worth considering.
I hope you found this review helpful. If you have any more questions or need further recommendations, feel free to reach out. Take care and happy learning!
